12 names to consider when choosing the next Gilas Pilipinas coach By Randolph B. Leongson on November 3, 2014 MANILA — With the men’s national basketball team program undergoing a reboot, the most talked about job opening in the land right now is the head coaching spot. With that being said, Rivals takes a look at the possible candidates for the head coaching spot in the next incarnation of the Philippine men’s national basketball squad. Chot Reyes Credentials: 8x PBA Champion Coach 5x PBA Coach of the Year Head Coach, Philippines (2005–2008, 2012–2014) Although the choice of retaining Reyes isn’t really a popular one, there’s no denying that his accomplishments speak for itself. His Gilas squad reached tremendous heights unseen in the past four decades by reaching the basketball world championships, but the same squad will also share the distinction of having the country’s worst finish in the Asian Games. Tab Baldwin Credentials: Head Coach, Malaysia (1996) Head Coach, New Zealand (2001–06) Head Coach, Lebanon (2010–2011) Head Coach, Jordan (2011-2012) Team Consultant, Philippines (2013-2014) Team Consultant, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters Baldwin’s name has been coming along as one of the favorites to be picked as the new head coach of the national squad. The American-New Zealander, who worked as a consultant for the Gilas squad, boasts of a decorated resume, with his highlight coming in the 2002 World Championship when he led the Tall Blacks to a fourth place finish in the said tourney. Norman Black Credentials: 5x UAAP Champion Coach (Ateneo) 11x PBA Champion Coach 1x Grand Slam Champion Coach Head Coach, Philippines (1994, 2006) Head Coach, Meralco Bolts The current Meralco coach is also a viable option for the post, handling the coaching reins for the national team in 1994 and 2006, and also serving as an assistant coach for the national squad numerous times. Jong Uichico Credentials: 8x PBA Champion Coach Head Coach, Philippines (2002) Head Coach, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters Talk ‘N Text is having its first conference under Uichico, and the multi-titled PBA coach has been a master in adapting to the concurrent style of the squads he has handled. It also helps that he is no stranger in international competitions, acting as an assistant under Ron Jacobs and Chot Reyes. Ryan Gregorio Credentials: 3x PBA Champion Coach 2x PBA Coach of the Year Alternate Governor, Meralco Bolts After leaving the post in Meralco and shifting to the front office, coach RG has been a staple in the commentators’ booth. But one can never discredit a coach’s calling to return to the sidelines. Tim Cone Credentials: 18x PBA Champion Coach 2x Grand Slam Champion Coach 3x PBA Coach of the Year Head Coach, Philippines (1998) Head Coach, Purefoods Star Hotshots Being the only two-time Grand Slam champion, Cone’s name is a given whenever discussions about the national team comes up. Last handling the national squad in 1998 with the Centennial Team, one must wonder how Cone wants to make up for his shortcomings if given a chance to handle the head coaching job for the Philippines once more. Yeng Guiao Credentials: 6x PBA Champion Coach 2x PBA Coach of the Year Head Coach, Philippines (2008-2009) Head Coach, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters The feisty Guiao is also no stranger to the national team after handling the Powerade Team Pilipinas in 2008-2009. Through many believe that this unpredictable style hasn’t really proven itself in the international stage, the Kapampangan mentor is known for bringing the best out of his players, from the starters down to the bench warmers, more that the national team will be composed of tested talents. Ronnie Magsanoc Credentials: 1986 Asian Games Bronze Medalist 1990 Asian Games Silver Medalist 1x NCAA Champion Coach (San Beda) Head Coach, Hapee Fresh Fighters (D-League) One of the brightest minds in Philippine basketball, one must wonder why the Point Laureate isn’t given much break for a head coaching job. Last leading San Beda to the third of its five-peat, Magsanoc has recently been given the keys to lead the star-studded Hapee squad in the D-League. If advocates of amateur coaches handling the national squad gain steam, the former Shell playmaker should be one of the favorites when the list comes up. Eric Altamirano Credentials: 1986 Asian Games Bronze Medalist 1x UAAP Champion Coach (NU) 1x PBA Champion Coach Head Coach, Philippines U-16 (2009) Head Coach, NU Bulldogs Project Director, National Basketball Training Center Co-Head Coach, Manila 3×3 Teams Fresh from leading NU to its first UAAP title in 60 years, Altamirano could also be one of the viable options for the national coaching gig. Also handling the grassroots program NBTC as well as the 3×3 squads, Coach E can definitely take hold of the head coaching position of the men’s basketball team. Joe Lipa Credentials: 1x UAAP Champion (UP) Head Coach, Philippines (1986–1989, 1991–1993, 1995–1997, 1999–2001) The most veteran coach on this list, Lipa is also a viable option if the SBP decides to tear a page from the past. However, with the things on the list for coach Joe, can the head coaching stint for the national team still fit his hectic schedule? Ramon Fernandez Credentials: 1973 ABC Championship Gold Medalist 1990 Asian Games Silver Medalist The strongest critic of coach Chot Reyes, Fernandez undoubtedly has what it takes, may it be experience or intelligence, to lead the national squad to greater heights. It’s a matter of put up or shut up now if El Presidente gets shortlisted for the head coaching reins. Robert Jaworski Credentials: 1973 ABC Championship Gold Medalist 4x PBA Champion Coach Head Coach, Philippines (1990) Ginebra fans must be liking this. If fans are asked, The Big J will always be on the top of their minds when it comes to a head coaching job, may it be Ginebra or the national team. After all, the Living Legend was the one manning the sidelines when the team last had a podium finish in the Asian Games way back in 1990, when we wounded up with the silver. The question, however, is will the power brokers entrust Jaworski the national team once more. Bonus round: Manny Pacquiao Credentials: 8-Division Boxing World Champion Head Coach, Kia Sorento Fun fact: Kia Sorento is 1-0 when Pacquiao is coaching in the sidelines. Can the Pambansang Kamao also be the Pambansang Coach? Or maybe (gulp), the Pambansang Playing Coach?
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:02:39 +0000
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